I have early penile cancer

Being diagnosed with early penile cancer can be overwhelming. Learn what this means, what your treatment options are, and what to expect in the coming steps.

If you’ve been told you have early penile cancer, this usually means it’s at stage 0 or stage 1. At this stage, the cancer is only on the surface of the skin or has just started to grow into the tissue, but it hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This type of cancer is often easier to treat, and many people are cured. 

This chapter contains general information about penile cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

Last updated: June 2026

Reviewed by (2026 update):

  • Dr. Oscar Brouwer (EAU Guidelines Panel on Penile Cancer)
  • Dr. Walter Cazzaniga (YAU Working Group on Penile & Testis Cancer)